With over twelve years of experience inside the boxing ring and forty-two fights, Bernabe Concepcion has learned not to underestimate his opponent – be it a world title fight in outside the country or in a local barangay covered court in the province.
And is upcoming fight against Jimmy Paypa is no different.
Despite his challenger’s youth, the current WBO Oriental Superbantamweight titleholder says that Paypa isn’t to be taken lightly; especially coming from one of the most successful gyms in the country today, the ALA Boxing Stable.
“Naging mahigpit din yung preparasyon ko dito sa laban na to kasi mataas ang respeto ko sa mga ALA boxer,” Bernabe told Tiebreaker Times after the weigh-ins earlier today at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. “Lahat ng trainer ng ALA ay mataas din po ang respeto ko sa kanila. Alam ko na tinetrain nila ng husto mga boksingero nila so nagprepare din ako ng maayos para magkaroon tayo ng mas magandang laban.”
The Virac, Catanduanes – born boxer had an impressive record to start his professional career, compiling a win-loss-draw record of 28-2-1 from his debut in 2004 before being disqualified in his fight against Steve Luevano in August of 2009 that was followed by a rough stretch which saw him losing three of five fights to the likes of Mikey Garcia and Juan Manuel Lopez.
Currently, Bernabe is making strides to regain his old form, earning a shot at the vacant WBO Oriental belt. He knows that he couldn’t afford another loss which could to hamper his hopes for another campaign at the world stage.
“Lahat po ng laban ay napakaimportante para sakin kasi siyempre, once na matalo ka, malaking bagay na yun.” He said of the impending consequences with another loss. “Malaking bagay sa career ko yung matatalo kaya sa lahat ng laban ko ay nagpreprepare ako ng husto at hindi ko trinatrato na yung kalaban ko ay underdogs.”
“Lahat ng kalaban ko talaga ay tinatrato kong champion, talagang lalaban talaga yan. Hindi yan pumunta dito para magpatalo lang o hindi nag-ready so lahat ng yan, lalaban yan kaya nagready ako ng maayos.”
Wanting a convincing win over Paypa, Concepcion is realistic that it’s easier said than done but promises a very competitive fight with both of them going all-out on fight night.
“Siyempre lahat ng boksingero na katulad ko, gustong manalo by knockout pero dahil inaasahan natin na matindi din ang training nila, siguro isang magandang laban ‘to para sa akin at para sa kanya.”
“Isang magiging magandang laban ito.”
